Tamanu oil is a special, exotic oil that comes from the tamanu nut, which grows on Ati trees native to the South Pacific. These trees, known scientifically as Calophyllum inophyllum, were discovered by native Tahitians thousands of years ago. The oil has been used for centuries to treat various skin conditions and remains an important part of tropical cultures in that region.
The Ati tree produces small yellow fruits with large nut kernels inside, where the rich oil is found. Harvesting this oil is a lengthy process; the nuts are dried in the sun for up to two months, during which a dark, sticky oil forms on the surface, which is then collected and processed into tamanu oil.
In the early 1900s, word about tamanu oil’s ability to treat leprosy and relieve pain spread to the Western world. By 1918, French scientists confirmed its many beneficial topical uses, including healing and skin regeneration. Despite its powerful properties, transporting the oil outside the South Pacific was challenging and costly, leading to it being forgotten for decades until its rediscovery in the U.S.
Tamanu oil’s health benefits are mainly due to its high levels of beneficial fatty acids, such as oleic acid, linoleic acid, stearic acid, and palmitic acid. It also contains benzoic acid, terpenes, lipids, saturated fats, and antioxidants, giving it antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, analgesic, and anti-neuralgic properties.
Here are some ways tamanu oil can benefit your health and beauty:
1. Anti-aging: Tamanu oil helps prevent premature aging, reducing wrinkles and fine lines due to its monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which function as antioxidants. These antioxidants neutralize free radicals that can damage healthy cells, lead to chronic diseases like cancer, and weaken the skin’s elasticity.
2. Sun Protection: The oil protects against UV-induced DNA damage and oxidative stress. Research shows it has a biological UV filter with an SPF range of 18 to 22. Polynesians used it to protect their skin from harsh sunlight long before scientists validated its effectiveness.
3. Healing Skin Problems: Tamanu oil is excellent for treating skin conditions like rashes, eczema, psoriasis, acne, sores, and insect bites. It penetrates all three layers of the skin, allowing its antimicrobial properties to address the root cause of these issues. Research has confirmed its anti-inflammatory abilities, proving it effective for numerous skin conditions.
4. Reducing Scars: Tamanu oil stimulates the growth of new healthy tissue, helping reduce the appearance of scars. A study showed significant improvement in the appearance of scars after applying the oil daily for nine weeks.
5. Fading Stretch Marks: Its cell regeneration and renewal abilities make tamanu oil effective for fading stretch marks. You can create a DIY cream with shea butter, cocoa butter, water, tamanu oil, and lavender essential oil to treat stretch marks.
6. Healing Skin Injuries: Tamanu oil is great for healing cuts, scrapes, bruises, and other wounds. Its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing compounds speed up the healing process and minimize scarring.
7. Pain Relief: The oil not only promotes faster healing but also relieves pain. It has been used traditionally to alleviate pain from conditions like sciatica, shingles, neuralgia, and rheumatism. It can be applied to sore joints, insect bites, or sunburns for effective relief.
8. Soothing Skin Irritations: Tamanu oil protects and soothes irritated skin areas, including hands, feet, and spots prone to bacterial infection like the underarms. Its cooling, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties reduce irritation severity.
9. Fighting Body Odor & Fungus: The oil’s pleasant nutty smell can reduce body odor and eliminate fungal infections, especially on the feet and toes. Apply it with oregano essential oil to affected areas, particularly after a shower.
10. Soothing Diaper Rash: Tamanu oil heals diaper rash quickly, often within a day, providing relief for both infants and parents. It’s also effective against other infant rashes like eczema.
11. Teething Relief: Mixing a drop of tamanu oil with coconut oil and rubbing it on a baby’s gums can alleviate teething pain.
12. Strengthening the Immune System: By penetrating all three skin layers, tamanu oil helps boost the immune system with its anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral, and antibacterial compounds. It acts as a protective shield against pathogens and environmental pollutants.
13. Improving Hair & Scalp Health: Tamanu oil moisturizes the scalp, fights fungal infections, reduces inflammation, and treats dandruff. It can also rejuvenate dry and lifeless hair, restoring moisture and shine by applying a small amount and leaving it on for an hour before washing.
